Veterinary Epidemiology and Zoonosis

Primary health care

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, TAMIL NADU

Primary health care in Tamil Nadu

• Primary Health Care facilities to the people of Tamil Nadu especially to those in the rural areas under different health programmes are formulated through strengthening the preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative health care services, and are implemented through the Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres and Health Sub centres.
• Network of Primary Health Centres and their services: As per the norms prescribed by the Government of India, one Primary Health centre is to be set up for every 30,000 population in the plains and for every 20,000 population in the hill areas.
• Accordingly at present (as on 2009) there are 1399 Primary Health centres including 59 Community Health Centres in Tamil Nadu.
• The Medical Officers who along with other public health staff provide curative, preventive, promotive and rehabilitative services in the rural areas.
• The drugs required for these health centres are procured and supplied through the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation Limited.
• Tribal Welfare Scheme: Under this scheme, 12 blocks viz, Alangayam, Jamnamarudur, Sankarapuram, Kalrayan Hills, Uppiliapuram, Yercaud, Ayodhiyapattinam, Peddanaickenpalayam, Gangavalli, Kolli Hills, Pappireddipatty and Thiruvattar have been identified as tribal areas in the State. 14 Primary Health Centres are functioning under the Tribal Sub Plan Scheme. In addition 11 more Primary Health Centres are located in tribal areas including the two Community Health Centres at Alangayam and Kariyalur.